Why You Should Consider Studying in Poland

Poland is a wonderful European country with high standards of education and affordable tuition fees. Bordered by Germany, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Belarus and Ukraine, it is the 69th largest country in the world and 9th largest in Europe.

Poland has a rich educational history with its one of its institutions, Cracow Academy being one of the oldest educational centers in the world. It holds forth place in Europe in terms of the number of people enrolled into her universities. The students in the 400 higher education institutions that exist in Poland is an approximate of 1.5 million people.

If you like to study in Poland, read on to find out how to secure admission, obtain scholarship, tuition fees, visa application and the average cost of living.

HOW TO SECURE ADMISSION

An important feature to note about Poland’s higher education system is that it is part of the Bologna Process. This is a three-stage educational system fully operational throughout Europe in which students take courses in Poland and can choose to continue their education elsewhere within Europe.

Over 45,000 foreign students have utilized this process to study in Poland while an approximate of 100,000 Polish students have continued their education in other parts of Europe. Poland boasts of a high standard diversified educational program that cuts across all disciplines which matches other countries in terms of the high quality of education she offers.

All universities in Poland offer a bachelor’s degree which lasts for a period of 3 years and includes a thesis which must be submitted at the end of the study program. Bachelor’s degrees are available in a myriad of fields from arts to sciences and humanities. A bachelor’s degree as it is called in Europeans Higher education is also known as an “undergraduate” program.

Requirements for bachelor’s degree programs are,

A good command of English

High school certificate and transcripts

Curriculum vitae

A valid certificate of no impediments to take up studies- valid for at least 3 mounts

A valid international passport

Admission fee payment receipt

4 passports – size photographs

Master’s degree studies

After completing a bachelor’s degree, you are allowed to commence a Master’s degree program. Master’s degrees focus mainly on a precise path of study. The length of master’s degree is 2 years and includes a master’s thesis at the end of the study program.

A valid certificate of no impediments to take up studies- valid for at least 3 mounts

A valid international passport

Admission fee payment receipt

4 passports – size photographs

Scholarship to study in Poland (funding & student support)

In Poland, there are opportunities to support yourself financially through scholarships and funding programs and some of the options are:

Scholarship offered by the polish Government or bilateral agreement with other countries

Financial aid for citizens from developing countries and specialized scholarships

Awards and EU programs

Student loans or part time jobs

Fees

If you wish to study at Poland there are two fees you will have to pay

admission fee

tuition fee

Admission fees cover issues connected with registration processes. It usually amount of around 200 EUR and it is a onetime payment.

Tuition fees depends on a number of factors such as the local average cost of living; it also depends on the type of school and the field of study chosen. Generally, the tuition fees in large cities are higher as a result of the exposure and high cost of living. Generally, tuition fees range to amounts specified below. It is also important to note that these figures are average costs of payment and are subject to change:

2000 – 4000 EUR per academic year for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs

3000 EUR per academic year for PhD programs and specialist courses,

8000 -12000 EUR per academic year for medical and MBA studies,

3000 EUR per year for vocational courses

2000 EUR per year for a language course (including preparation to study in polish)

It is advised to pay the tuition fee in person when you enroll as a student of any institution or pay via bank transfer.

VISA APPLICATION

EU/EEA students need not apply for a Polish visa but require a Temporary Residence Permit if staying in the country for longer than ninety days. However, if you are an international student, a student visa is required to study in Poland. You apply for this through a Polish Embassy or Consulate in your country of choice.

It is important to note that visas are usually granted for a period of three months after which you apply for Residence Permit to extend your stay forty-five days before the visa expires. If you have any concerns about your visa application, kindly contact your Student Advisor in the Polish university in which you have been granted admission.

Cost of living

Poland is a country with affordable living standards and a very bright future. Living costs averages 300-650 EUR/month depending on the city or area you wish to study. Prices are much higher in cities such as Krakow or Warsaw with figures ranging from 450-550 EUR per month. It is imperative to note that the most expensive city in Poland is Pulkowice and you can spend an estimate of 600-650 EUR per month.

Housing is a major subject in Poland and international students may find it suitable to live in one of the university residence halls either in the private or residence halls of the school. They may prefer residence off campus for personal reasons and universities have facilities available to provide this service.

Cost of accommodation in Poland in Poland is about 200 -300 EUR/month excluding utilities and these costs are broken down as follows:

For students who live alone 368 EUR/month

Students living with partner or child 446 EUR/month

Students living on university campuses 269 EUR/month

Other costs associated

Other essentials of living such as electricity, heating, water and garbage range to a total price of an approximate of 150 EUR per month.

Food

Food which is also as an essential need and as an international student usually cost 100 – 150 EUR/month, you can save money to buy groceries, there are restaurants that for only 5 EUR per meal. A drink will cost you only 2 EUR per drink.

Transportation

Transportation cost 24EUR per month, public transport is the main option of 80% students, but you can also walk by foot.

It is important to note that the above costs are estimates and are designed to guide you in your educational planning.

Studying in Poland is an excellent choice. Join thousands of students today to make this decision!!